Article: Best Saddlebags for Harley Sportster in 2026 | Fitment & Buying Guide
Best Saddlebags for Harley Sportster in 2026 | Fitment & Buying Guide
If you ride a Harley-Davidson® Sportster, you already know the struggle: you want real storage, but you don’t want bulky “touring” bags that ruin the bike’s clean lines. For 2026, the sweet spot is a compact leather solo bag that carries daily essentials, mounts securely, and still looks like it belongs on a Sportster.
BAD&G Customs Sportster bags are handmade in the USA from premium leather with heavy-duty hardware and a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship. Most models are designed to fit Sportster models and years, and there are dedicated options for the Sportster S (2021–present) as well.
Quick picks (based on size + everyday usefulness)
- Best everyday “balanced” size: SL01 / SR01 (4.1L) — great daily carry without looking oversized.
- Best compact / tight-fit option: SL03 / SR03 (3.7L) — slimmer profile for a clean look.
- Best for Sportster with passenger pegs: SL02 / SR02 (3.9L) — no peg relocation needed.
- Best larger capacity (non–Sportster S): SL012 / SL013 (7.6L / 2.0 gal) — biggest storage in this lineup.
- Best for Sportster S (2021+): SL06 / SR06 (5.0L) — shaped and spec’d specifically for the Sportster S.
How to choose the right Sportster bag
1) Choose your side (left vs right).
Most riders pick the side that best matches their setup (exhaust, clearance, and preference). If you want a matched look, choose the corresponding left/right model family (ex: SL01 + SR01).
2) Pick the “look” you want first, then size.
On a Sportster, shape matters as much as volume. A taller/narrower bag can carry plenty while still keeping that stripped-down stance.
3) Be honest about what you carry.
- Phone/wallet/tools only → ~3.7–4.2L models
- Daily essentials + small extras → ~4.5–5.0L models
- Want the most storage in the lineup → 7.6L models
Sportster Saddlebag Size & Volume Comparison (ALL models in your collection)
| Model | Side | External Dimensions | Internal Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL01 | Left | 11" (top) / 14" (bottom) W × 5" (front) / 11" (rear) H × 3" D | approx. 4.1 L (≈ 1.1 gal / 250 in³) |
| SL02 | Left | 10" / 11" W × 6" / 11" H × 3" D | approx. 3.9 L (≈ 1.03 gal / 238 in³) |
| SL03 | Left | 9" / 4" W × 13" / 11" H × 3" D | approx. 3.7 L (≈ 0.98 gal / 226 in³) |
| SL04 | Left | 8" / 6" W × 13" / 9" H × 3" D | approx. 4.2 L (≈ 1.11 gal / 256 in³) |
| SL05 | Left | 8" / 10" W × 13" / 10" H × 3" D | approx. 4.5 L (≈ 1.19 gal / 275 in³) |
| SL06 | Left (Sportster S) | 15" W × 9" (front) / 6" (rear) H × 4" (front) / 3" (rear) D | approx. 4.5 L (≈ 1.19 gal / 275 in³) |
| SL012 | Left | 11" / 15" W × 9.5" / 15" H × 3" D | approx. 7.6 L (≈ 2.0 gal / 462 in³) |
| SL013 | Left | 11" / 15" W × 9.5" / 15" H × 3" D | approx. 7.6 L (≈ 2.0 gal / 462 in³) |
| SR01 | Right | 11" / 14" W × 5" / 11" H × 3" D | approx. 4.1 L (≈ 1.1 gal / 250 in³) |
| SR02 | Right | 10" / 11" W × 6" / 11" H × 3" D | approx. 3.9 L (≈ 1.03 gal / 238 in³) |
| SR03 | Right | 9" / 4" W × 13" / 11" H × 3" D | approx. 3.7 L (≈ 0.98 gal / 226 in³) |
| SR04 | Right | 8" / 6" W × 13" / 9" H × 3" D | approx. 4.2 L (≈ 1.11 gal / 256 in³) |
| SR05 | Right | 8" / 10" W × 13" / 10" H × 3" D | approx. 4.5 L (≈ 1.19 gal / 275 in³) |
| SR06 | Right (Sportster S) | 15" W × 9" (front) / 6" (rear) H × 4" (front) / 3" (rear) D | approx. 4.5 L (≈ 1.19 gal / 275 in³) |
Harley-Davidson Sportster Models (All Years)
Classic Evolution & Rubber-Mount Sportster (1986–2022)
- Sportster 883 (XL883)
- Sportster 1200 (XL1200)
- Iron 883 (XL883N)
- Iron 1200 (XL1200NS)
- Forty-Eight (XL1200X)
- Forty-Eight Special
- Roadster (XL1200CX)
- Nightster (XL1200N)
- Sportster Custom (XL1200C)
- SuperLow 883 (XL883L)
- SuperLow 1200T
- Seventy-Two (XL1200V)
- XR1200
- XR1200X
- Sportster Standard
- 883R / 1200R
- 883 Hugger / 1200 Hugger
Early Sportster Models (1957–1985)
- Sportster XL
- Sportster XLH
- Sportster XLCH
- Sportster 900
- Sportster 1000
- Sportster 1100
Revolution Max Sportster (2021–Present)
- Sportster S (RH1250S)
- Nightster (RH975)
- Nightster Special (RH975S)
Why these are some of the best Sportster bags for 2026
They’re sized for real riding. Enough room for your essentials, without turning your Sportster into a dresser.
They’re built to last. Premium leather + tough hardware + UV-resistant thread, backed by a lifetime craftsmanship warranty.
Sportster S coverage. The SL06/SR06 models are clearly spec’d for 2021–present Sportster S fitment.
Why Sportster Riders Choose BAD&G Saddlebags
- Perfect fitment with tight, clean lines
- Handmade American craftsmanship
- Premium full-grain leather
- Secure mounting designed for real riding
- Lifetime warranty on craftsmanship
- Built by a small family-run American shop
Shop Harley Sportster Saddlebags
If you want Sportster saddlebags that look right, fit right, and last for years, you’re in the right place.
Shop the full collection: Harley Sportster Saddlebags
Need help choosing? Contact us with your year/model + a photo of your exhaust and shock setup, and we’ll help you pick the best option.
